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Major League Baseball statement regarding Dr. Maya Angelou

Frank Robinson, MLB Executive Vice President of Baseball Development, announced today that due to health reasons, 2014 MLB Beacon of Life Honoree Dr. Maya Angelou, unfortunately, will be unable to attend the Beacon Awards Luncheon in Houston on Friday, May 30th. Co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America" and MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon keynote speaker Robin Roberts will accept Dr. Angelou's award on her behalf.

"It is with deep regret that I am unable to attend the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon," said Dr. Angelou. "I am aware that the Civil Rights Game is Major League Baseball's opportunity to encourage and lead its fans and friends in honoring and remembering a critical time in our nation's history, and I respect the league greatly for recognizing the need for this event. I am very proud to be one of the MLB Beacon Award honorees, amongst an impressive list of figures that were, and still are, part of the civil rights movement."

"Dr. Maya Angelou is a powerful representation of everything we celebrate and recognize for the Civil Rights Game," said Frank Robinson. "Throughout her life and through her unprecedented roster of achievements, Dr. Angelou has exemplified the very definition of 'pioneer.' We wish she could be with us in person for this well-deserved recognition, and everyone at Major League Baseball wishes her a full and speedy recovery."

"While we are sad that Dr. Angelou is unable to join us, we certainly understand that her health comes first," said Reid Ryan, Houston Astros President of Business Operations. "We wish her a speedy recovery and will be thinking of her on May 30th."